Sydney CBD power outage: Several buildings plunged into darkness after underground water main burst
A burst underground water main in Sydney’s CBD has left two people trapped in Sydney’s busiest courthouse and plunged several buildings into darkness.
The incident occurred at 9.45am on Tuesday at Castlereagh St, resulting in several lawyers, judicial staff, accused criminals, and a group of school kids on an excursion evacuating the Downing Centre local court.
Judges and magistrates had reportedly just taken the bench to hear 550 cases when the entire building suddenly lost power.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Fire and Rescue NSW confirmed that two people have become trapped in an elevator inside the building, which was travelling between floors when the power went out. Lift mechanics are on the scene to bring them to safety.
It is unknown when court proceedings will resume; however, a District Court spokesperson has said they will share “updates as soon as we can in relation to Court sittings for today and moving forward.”
The burst main also left thousands of residents without electricity as nearby apartment buildings lost power.
Buildings on Pitt Street, Goulburn Street, Elizabeth Street, Park Street, and Market Street are impacted by the power outage, with urgent repairs currently taking place.
While 860 Ausgrid customers initially lost power, the Daily Mail has reported that power has been restored to more than 400 customers.
Water supply is not expected to be turned back on until 3.45pm AEST.
